2012 Zak Shaw Photography Portfolio

2012 was a big year!

All images copyright of Zak Shaw Photography

Mt Tapeoenuku stands tall over Marlborough's Clarence River. 

At midnight with a full moon blazing the Mokihinui River took on the texture of melted chocolate.

Mollymawk Albatross, South Westland, NZ 

Mahitahi beach break! South Westland

Mikonui homestead, Westland.

In late Autumn the sun’s rays come from a low angle. On a Rafting NZ “South Island Safari” I knew my best chance of getting exciting images would be before we entered the Perth River’s lower gorges. Standing in the middle of the river I tried to compose an image that made good use of the lighting.  I got excited when paddler Kim Dodd and a raft working their way downstream though the rocks broke out of the shade. The contrast between the subjects and the dark background gives the image impact.   

 To capture this image of Phil Palzer I positioned myself a mere 30cm from where I anticipated his kayak to travel.  Using an 11-16mm wide-angle lens I wanted to shoot the kayaks path off the drop. Phil’s line was fast and he raced past me in a lightening fast curve. 

Green’s Beach is located on a remote section of coastline very typical of Westland.  When a southwest swell rolls in off the ocean the beach comes to life. Overlooked by unstable cliffs the coarse gray sand is littered with huge logs cast high by the tide. Using a slow shutter speed I leaned hard on the legs of my tripod. Heavy waves threatened to drag both the log and my camera out to sea. 

Keith Riley leans on his blades during descent of one of NZ's best multi day river journeys - Clarence River

Kotuku, Wanganui River mouth, South Westland, NZ

Bruce Bay is where Maui first landed in New Zealand. Legend has it that two massive Taniwha sat on the headland protecting the bay and Maui was forced to fight a fierce battle before setting foot ashore.  During a visit to the Marae I spent time photographing the mouth of the Mahitahi River. Vibrant light provided great saturation in both the rivers current and the rocks. On offshore wind ripped the tops off the waves. 

 Minutes from Hokitika a steep trail leads walkers above the bush-line to Mt Brown. Considerable community, volunteer input and donations made it possible to shift the hut from the Arahura valley.  Whilst visiting from Matawai Robyn and Duncan Shaw enjoyed the “wicked” new hut with expansive three hundred and sixty degree views. 

 The Thousand Acre plateau in Kahurangi National Park is one of my favorite places to explore. The ancient peneplain is covered in rolling tussock and dotted with deep boring sinkholes. Lenny McGirr and Watson Green students on Tai Poutini Polytechnic’s Outdoor Education program enjoy an alpine adventure in their wild classroom.  

 Idilic sea kayaking in the Abel Tasman, NZ

Waking after a night of snow flurries and wind gusts the dawn was exceptionally calm. As we approached the tarn; mountains caked in fresh powder grew in size until they were completely mirrored in a crisp reflection. Stationed at the waters edge we remained mindful that any disturbance of the waters surface would break the spell.

Frew saddle provides a link between the Whitcombe and Hokitika Rivers. After ascending eleven hundred metres up Frew Creek our team moved over the lower tussock slopes of Mt Frieda. Here camouflaged from view Spaniard grass sat waiting for an unsuspecting victim.    

 Determination and focus. Sara Dwyer gets it right in the upper reaches of the Mokihinui. 

A fantastic alternative to walking the fifty-one kilometer Abel Tasman Great walk is to paddle it! Many crescent shaped coves, white sand beaches and rocky headlands are not accessible on foot. Tai Poutini Polytechnic students enjoy idyllic conditions for sea kayak guide training at Mosquito Bay. 

Nina/Doubtful - Lewis Tops

Blue Eyed Cormorant - Abel Tasman National Park.

 Alpine Tarn, Doubtful valley.